Tertiary Education Minister Paul Goldsmith's announcement this morning is the Government's response to competing proposals between Waikato University, and the Auckland/Otago universities. University of Otago health sciences pro-vice-chancellor Prof Peter Crampton welcomed the announcement and supported there being a contestable business case process. "We look forward to working with our partners and the Government to develop a case for an integrated rural health workforce. Waikato University teamed up with Waikato District Health Board to run a strong regional lobbying campaign that pressured the Government in the lead-up to the general election. The bid was countered by Auckland and Otago universities, which said New Zealand did not need a third medical school, but proposed a joint rural school of medicine to support an increase in GP training.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 27, 2017 23:37 UTC